Crossroads National Bank ‘panga knife’ robbers arrested

Malawi Police in Lilongwe on Monday arrested five robbers out of the seven suspects who robbed Crossroads National Bank of K27 million two months ago.

Lilongwe Police Station Officer Senior Assistant Commissioner Casper Chalera said the five were arrested after a tip from the public.

The five suspected robbers include a G4 Securicor guard Paul Gannet who was arrested soon after the incident.

Police said Gannet, who hails from T/A Msabwe in Thyolo district, was promised K3 million after a successful operation.

The other four suspects are: Masautso Kalua from T/A Tambala in Dedza, Pilirani Frazer from T/A Mazengera in Lilongwe, Lusticko chifomboti from T/A Malili in Lilongwe and Edi M’madi from T/A Mponda in Mangochi district.

Among the items now in police custody include a 26 seater coaster, and three salon vehicles believed to have been bought using the stolen money.

“We will use the impounded items as exhibits in court,” said Senior Assistant Commissioner Chalera.

Crossroads National Bank was robbed of K27 million two months ago when seven men pounced on the back door of the bank with panga knives and went away with the cash.

The five will answer a robbery charge.

Meanwhile, police are still looking for the other two suspects who are currently on the run.